What to add to Kenyi/Auratus for algae

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dpawl31

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2010
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Manchester, NH
Looking for someone to add to my single auratus and kenyi cichlids.
Also have a green spotted puffer, he stays right up top.

Was researching, and was looking at synodontis, but not sure if I can get one @ the LFS, or what the common name is. They look like corydoras, but apparently that's way off! lol.

I believe I can get a bristlenose cat, but not sure which ones stay small enough as well as if its as good a choice as the synodontis.

I am new here, so for more info please read my intro thread.
HERE:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=348225
 
Either the syndontis or the bristlenose would work. The size of your tank would specify which kind of pleco to get.

Most LFS sell syndontis as "syndontis" so you shouldn't have any problem IDing them. Syndontis are the bottom dwellers most African keepers use, but I you ever plan on breeding, the syndontis will eat the eggs.
 
No breeding plans, thank you! Will take a look at what I have for options tomorrow. If I can't get a syno, should I wait, or get a bristlenose? How much better/worse are they? Honestly I prefer the look of the bristlenose breeds, esp the starlight...
 
If you're looking to control algae -- go with the pleco, although it will probably eat all the algae real quick and then you will have to feed it. I have a common pleco in my tank. He's pretty big (8-10 inches) and I have to feed him.

I don't think syndontis eat algae, think they just clean up any uneaten food that makes it to the bottom.

Unless the algae is real bad and ugly looking, you don't even need an "algae eater" per se. Many of the mbunas eat algae as part of their natural diet. If they're hungry enough, they'll pick at the algae you have growing.
 
Yeah, it seems they haven't touched it.

More or less, I need another fish to keep the wife happy, hah.

Personally, the algae looks nice to me, check my video in the thread I linked to in the first post.

Any suggestions aside from the pleco/syno if I don't want to lose the algae? PS - cichlids have not once touched the algae, guess is they get fed enough.
 
yeah, sometimes it takes them a while to figure out what it is. But if my fish don't eat as often as they want, I see them picking at the rocks. Granted, if the algae is thick, it would take a while for them to eat it to the point you would notice.

Depending on the size of your tank, why not add more mbunas? Surprised the Kenyii and Auratus haven't had a death match yet! :) Usually, most african keepers overcrowd their tanks to cut down on aggression. I have at least 20 in my 90g.
 
The agression is only shown in very short chases.

Like, GTFO of my cave. lol. Other than a quick jaunt, they never touch each other.
Auratus is definitely the most dominant, but only to the kenyi. Kenyi chases the puffer, but never gets close enough to nip. Puffer just relaxes all day - till I drop a snail in, then its game on.

I understand most overcrowd, but coming from the other websites I was on getting shunned for what I've done already, I was told I already had too many for a 20 high.

I'd like to let them live in the 20 high for their full lives, so - what do you think I am safe to add? What mbuna? More of either of the other 2? A school of target fish? (what would work in my high ph/ slight brackish?)
 
Mbuna get really aggressive in tight quarters especially considering the species you have and they fact you only have 2. They just don't have enough space to get away from one another. It's only been 5 weeks. Once these guys reach maturity you will see the real aggression.

Also those type of puffers need brackish water. Mbuna are not brackish fish so this is not a good match. Not to mention the dietary differences.

I know this is falling on deaf ears because it seems you have already made up your mind about what you are going to do. Anyone can cram a bunch of fish in a tank and call it a success. In such a tiny tank the water parameters can get out of control quickly.

As for the algae, a magfloat works great. Sometimes plecos work with mbuna and sometimes the mbuna remove their eyes.
 
i got a bristle nose in my 75 gallon african set up, and she (i thinkk) can really hold her own.

between the bn and my algae eater i have minimal algal issues
 
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